Man United set to hijack Newcastle move for Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko

Manchester United are set to spoil the party for Newcastle United, with reports indicating that the Red Devils are poised to hijack a move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

United have reportedly opened talks with Benjamin Sesko after sending a delegation to Germany to meet with Leipzig officials, according to talkSPORT.

It adds that the move is being led by Red Devils head of recruitment Christopher Vivell, with Chief negotiator Matt Hargreaves arriving in Germany a few days ago to discuss the deal.

However, Ruben Amorim’s side are aware they must act quickly to fend off Newcastle, who are also pushing for Sesko’s signature, following Liverpool’s intent on snatching the Magpies’ Swedish striker Alexander Isak from them this summer.

Talks are also ongoing on the player side now, as United step up their pursuit of the Slovenian star – looking to solve their goalscoring issues.

Bundesliga giants Leipzig initially quoted Arsenal a price exceeding €80 million for Sesko earlier in the transfer window, with sporting director Andrea Berta unable to negotiate it lower.

However, both Newcastle and United believe a transfer could be possible for closer to €70 million. Having missed out on several key targets this transfer window, Newcastle are reportedly anxious that another deal might be poached.

Benjamin Sesko lined with a move to Newcastle

Sesko and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins are United’s two current options, though talkSPORT reports that United manager Amorim favors the latter.

Villa are reluctant to part with the England striker, but United may continue negotiations and even challenge their resolve with a bid. The Red Devils have not ruled out submitting a formal offer, though it would likely fall below Villa’s £60 million valuation.

There is an ongoing internal debate at United over whether to prioritize proven Premier League experience or a younger No. 9 with significant potential, such as the 22-year-old Sesko.

The Red Devils snapped up Wolves sensation Matheus Cunha after they triggered his £62.5m release clause in June.

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo joined Cunha in arriving at Old Trafford, finally concluding a transfer saga that stretched longer than expected.

Mbeumo joined after a standout season, scoring an impressive 20 league goals last term—tying for fourth in the top flight alongside Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood.

The signings of Cunha and Mbeumo highlight Amorim’s push to strengthen the squad after a tough debut season, marked by a lack of goals from the team’s only two strikers, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund.